Sofyan Amrabat stepped away from Morocco because of playing time, says coach Mohamed Wahbi

Mohamed Wahbi says Sofyan Amrabat’s decision to make himself unavailable for Morocco while he remains head coach is solely down to a lack of playing time, rather than any disagreement between the pair.

Amrabat announced several days ago that he would not represent the Atlas Lions under Wahbi, although the 30-year-old insisted he had not retired from international football and had not closed the door on returning to the national team.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Wahbi acknowledged Amrabat’s contribution to Morocco’s recent successes.

“Sofyan Amrabat was part of the modern history of the great achievements Morocco has made, and that is something we must not forget or diminish, of course,” said Wahbi.

“I understand his disappointment because it is not easy to have a certain status and then see young players arrive and receive fewer minutes than you want. But you have to accept it; that is football.”

Wahbi said there was no conflict between himself, Amrabat or the coaching staff.

“There is no disagreement between Amrabat and me, or between him and the technical staff. The issue is only about playing time, and he wants to play more,” he said.

“I believe the past earns you respect, but it does not give you privileges. Our plan is to select players and decide who plays based on merit, as well as their current level and condition. That is very important.

“Amrabat did not play as much as he wanted, and I said that in the previous news conference.”

He added: “There was no problem or disagreement, and no discussions took place between us that involved disrespect. It really is about playing time.

“He has made his decision. The door will not be closed to any player, but at the same time no player is guaranteed a particular status.”

Amrabat said he had chosen not to explain the reasons for his decision “out of respect for the national team and everyone concerned”.

“Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career. Since my first call-up 12 years ago, I have given everything I could for my country and worn the national team shirt with pride,” he wrote on Instagram.

“My love for Morocco and what this team represents to me will never change. This was an extremely difficult decision, but I do not feel able to continue representing the national team while the current coach is in charge. Therefore, I have decided not to make myself available for selection as long as he remains at the head of the coaching staff.”

The midfielder, who recently joined Ajax, added: “To be clear, I am not retiring from international football, nor am I closing the door on representing Morocco again.”

Amrabat joined Ajax from Real Betis on a free transfer during the summer window. He started in Morocco’s squad that finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has won 78 international caps.

Wahbi replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco manager in March. Under Wahbi, Amrabat started two matches and came on as a substitute in three others. He was left out of Wahbi’s first squad during the March international break because he was not ready after limited appearances for Real Betis, before returning for the latest break ahead of the World Cup in June.